Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid has reaffirmed that strengthening economic partnerships with African countries remains a central pillar of Egypt’s strategy to deepen regional integration, expand trade and investment flows and reinforce Egypt’s economic presence across the continent.
These remarks came during two bilateral meetings the minister held on Wednesday with Minister of the Interior of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and Chairman of the Nigerian National Insurance Commission Olusegun Ayo Omosehin on the sidelines of the Eighth Ministerial Meeting of the African Continental Free Trade Area in Abuja.
The discussions focused on opportunities for co-operation in digital identity, digital transformation, insurance, financial services, healthcare and joint investments.
During talks with the Nigerian interior minister, Farid reviewed Egypt’s experience in developing advanced digital identity systems and electronic customer verification mechanisms based on integrated databases, highlighting their role in promoting financial inclusion and improving the efficiency of government and financial services.
He also described Nigeria as one of Africa’s largest economies and a strategic partner for Egypt, noting that bilateral trade reached approximately $223 million in 2025.
Egyptian exports to Nigeria amounted to around $51 million during the first quarter of the year, while imports stood at $5 million.
The two sides agreed to organise technical meetings involving specialised Egyptian companies to present technological solutions and identify Nigeria’s requirements in preparation for launching joint projects in digital identity and digital transformation.
In a separate meeting with the Chairman of the Nigerian National Insurance Commission, discussions addressed opportunities for co-operation in insurance and financial services as well as investment partnerships in healthcare, health insurance, pharmaceuticals and medical tourism.
In this respect, the minister stressed the importance of facilitating the registration of Egyptian pharmaceutical products in Nigeria and proposed organising an Egyptian investment mission comprising pharmaceutical companies, private hospitals and health insurance providers to explore opportunities in the Nigerian market.
For their part, Nigerian officials praised Egypt’s progress in digital transformation and financial services and expressed their country’s interest in benefiting from Egyptian expertise and strengthening cooperation with Egyptian institutions.
